He was found badly beaten about the head and body early last Saturday before dying in hospital later that day.

"We love and miss you lots and lots, you will never be forgotten," the Hunt family said.

"Mick was such a kind gentle-natured spirit, always happy-go-lucky with a dry sense of humour. He had a kind heart and was a loving big blue eyed silver fox. Mick was very family orientated he was loved by everyone who he came into contact with.

"Right now we would appreciate just to be left alone to grieve in peace so please respect our privacy."

"He was there for everybody - people he knew and people he didn’t. He just helped everybody out.

"He was my big brother and I adored him. He was the best brother you could ask for."

Three people were arrested over Mr Hunt's death and one man, Arry James Green, 21, has been charged.

Detectives said they will return to the scene one week after he was found collapsed in an alleyway along Station Road in South Norwood, Croydon, in the hope of finding witnesses.

Police were called shortly after 7am and Mr Hunt was taken by ambulance to Kings College Hospital, where he died shortly before midday last Saturday. They plan to be back at the scene from 10.30pm tomorrow.

Mr Hunt had been living in the Selhurst area of London.

Detective chief inspector Diane Tudway, of the Met's homicide and major crime command, who is leading the investigation, said the area where the attack took place is generally busy.

She said: "Station Road is a busy area in South Norwood and we are looking for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious."